Waiting on Wednesday - The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins

Welcome to Waiting On Wednesday here at

 Winterhaven Books!

This is a feature created by Jill at Breaking The Spine where we share some books we are anxiously awaiting.

This week's pick...

The Great Hunt 
by Wendy Higgins
Expected publication: March 8th 2016 by HarperTeen 

Kill the beast. Win the girl.
A strange beast stirs fear in the kingdom of Lochlanach, terrorizing towns with its brutality and hunger. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson’s hand in marriage. Princess Aerity understands her duty to the kingdom though it pains her to imagine marrying a stranger. It would be foolish to set her sights on any particular man in the great hunt, but when a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention, there’s no denying the unspoken lure between them…or his mysterious resentment. Paxton is not keen on marriage. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He’s determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast and protecting his family—yet Princess Aerity continues to challenge his notions with her unpredictability and charm. But as past secrets collide with present desires, dire choices threaten everything Paxton holds dear. Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ tale, “The Singing Bone,” New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins delivers a dark fantasy filled with rugged hunters, romantic tension, outlawed magic, and a princess willing to risk all to save her people.

I am made of all things fairytale in case you didn't know this by now. I also like the darker, not so happily ever after version such as the Brother's Grimm provided. If you have never heard of the tale of "The Singing Bone" you should definitely read it. It is a rather disturbing account of a brother who kill his younger to take credit for a kill and marry the king's daughter. Then the brother bones are found and made into a horn which then rats out the murder and all is brought to bloody justice! LOVE IT! These aren't the types of fairy tales for your children nor for the weak of heart. I am incredibly curious to see Mrs. Higgins' take on this account. I also have learned to temper my expectation when a blurb promises the comparative qualities of another story. I guess all in all we shall see. i am still thrilled to read this!!